Khursheed, Fazl take Army to task over ‘good governance’ jibe

ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: Responding to the ISPR’s statement about ‘good governance’, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah on Thursday said it would have been better if Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif had discussed the matter with PM Nawaz Sharif in the meeting held earlier.

He said the ISPR press release had even carried a message to India that country’s military and civilian leaderships were not on the same page.

“Gone are the days when dictators used to come into power through martial laws,” Khursheed said.

He said all the institutions should focus on their performance, adding, the governance would witness improvement only when the system was allowed to function consistently.

Khursheed Shah further said the country lagged far behind because hurdles were created in the way of democracy.

Terming the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman politically immature, he said the Imran Khan-led party had itself accepted the election of Ayaz Sadiq as speaker NA by nominating its own candidate for the slot.

“Imran Khan would cry foul and allege rigging even if he wins any election,” he remarked in a lighter mood.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman has said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) cannot give instructions to an elected Prime Minister.

Talking to newsmen after attending a tribal jirga in Peshawar, Fazl said why the statement of ISPR on ‘good governance’ was being likened to a threat. “Why the words (of ISPR) are being given a different meaning?” he asked.

He said in case there were any bottlenecks towards achieving the desired targets then an institution can only put forth its suggestions.

“There is no denying that armed forces are rendering sacrifices to stamp out terrorism and establish peace in the country,” said the JUI-F chief.

Maulana Fazl further said all the four provinces have separate apex committees and actions are being taken through consultation.